Very little went right for Raiders cornerback Damon Arnette in 2020, his rookie campaign. He only played nine games after injuries to his wrist and head, and he had a case of Covid-19. When Arnette was on the field, his play was suspect at best.
Such a season can certainly damage a player’s confidence. For a cornerback, it could be devastating, since they thrive on that emotion. In today’s NFL, it’s a near certainty they’ll lose ample snaps to wide receivers, even with the best corners. But you’ve got to maintain some swagger through it all.
In a great sign for Las Vegas, Arnette displayed confidence in talking with the media on Thursday. His new physique clearly helps; he’s bulked up after his weight dropped during his rookie season, due to a cast on his wrist that hindered his weightlifting. Upon a mention from reporters, he flexed on them.
Told he looks bigger, #Raiders CB @damon_arnette said “hell yeah!”and then flexed for the room. pic.twitter.com/8NEadzksPH
— WillieGRamirez (@WillieGRamirez) August 12, 2021
Arnette said he weighted 175 pounds at most last season. Now, he’s likely around his listed playing weight of 195.
Here’s more of what Arnette told reporters about his attitude as he approaches his sophomore season with Las Vegas, including good news about his health.
“I feel a lot more comfortable. I’m healthy,” he said. “I don’t have to worry about a cast. The team, we’re closer than we were last year. Just another year under our belt. Overall, on all angles, I’m confident and more comfortable.”
Arnette added that he definitely never had a year like 2020.
“It was a lot of new types of adversity. First-time adversities that I had trouble getting through, but I got through. Year two is going to be an exciting one,” he said.
That Arnette is still optimistic is a credit to his character. His rookie season was fairly ugly, and now he’s out of the starting lineup in favor of veteran CB Casey Hayward Jr. Additionally, new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley uses a scheme that favors cornerbacks with a different physical profile than Arnette. (Bradley’s zone coverage values defenders with long arms, and Arnette’s arms are rather short.)
Arnette is learning from Hayward though, and he credited his coaches, family and friends for helping him through his rough rookie season. As a former first-round pick, much is expected of Arnette. But right now, it’s simply important that he hangs in there and doesn’t give up. It appears he’s done that and is ready for more.